Challenging task for Chetri

S. THYAGARAJAN

It is Bharat Chetri’s finest hour in competitive hockey. His elevation as captain may float a few posers. But Chetri’s stature needs no exaggeration.

The reward to lead from the goalkeeper’s cage is a tribute to Chetri’s perseverance and pugnacity, befitting his army background.

In and out of the squad, reflecting the whimsical attitudes of the selection committees since 2001, Chetri always attracted attention by his athleticism and adeptness. With over 100 international caps, he faces the challenge of writing a new script on the tour of Australia.

Why Rajpal Singh was dumped as captain after the trophy triumph in the Ordos Champions Trophy remains unexplained. Presumably, Rajpal’s critical observations when the team refused to accept the Rs. 25,000 offer by HI did not go well with the administration.

NO ROOM FOR CRITICISM

With a large pool to pick from, the selectors have left no room for criticism. The squad consists of 22 players for the nine-a-side-tournament and the four-nation tournament in Western Australia (Perth).

Chetri’s task will not be easy. With a handful of former captains in the side, he requires a good measure of tact and diplomacy to maintain a delicate balance. He can convert this situation into a window of opportunity to get the best guidance from seniors like Arjun Halappa, Ignace Tirkey, Shivendra Singh, Rajpal Singh, Tushar Khandekar and Sandeep Singh.

Chief coach Michael Nobbs can play a constructive role in this. Nobbs has started his tenure with an excellent record.

The return of Sandeep and Sardara closes an ugly chapter. Their proficiency was never in dispute. But they must realise that their role is as important to the team as the others.

The nine-a-side event is a novelty. It puts enormous strain on the players. Given the concerns over the fitness level of several top stars, Michael Nobbs and his trainer should strain every sinew to keep the players in shape.

The really important event is the four-nation tournament (October 20-23) featuring, apart from India, Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan. Interestingly, minus India the rest are sure of their Olympic spots in London 2012.

The confidence level of the Indians after the Ordos success is predictably high. But Australia and New Zealand are different entities; they play robust hockey punctuated by variegated patterns coupled with impeccable conversion of penalty corners. These two teams with Pakistan will take the event as a preparatory exercise for the Champions Trophy to come off in Auckland from December 3.

The selectors have composed a strong squad. The wealth of experience — Halappa, for example, has over 300 international appearances — should blend well with the youth talent represented by the highly successful Yuvraj Walmiki.

Chetri has everything a captain can ask for. How well he marshals the forces at his command is what the fans here and abroad are waiting to see.